“If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro’ narrow chinks of his cavern.” – William Blake
Weathered the would that frames this perception,
once painted with optimism, long worn.
How bright the ideals of youth, now blurred,
colours stripped, raw intention bared –
Life mocks these aged perspectives
old structures fail, light dims with neglect
Still the heart beats solid, hope like putty
sticking to the sills, solidifying half-truths.
How deluded am I, trapped within walls
defined by out of focus panes, separated
From a reality that would behold me
fragmented or whole, and who will ever know
Have not the wherewithal to strip back
old mindsets, repaint the trimmings
Am content to dwell behind screens
of my own making, distorted but secure.
(Image my own)
Love this, VJ! And the Blake quote is perfect.
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Thanks K
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I wanted to reread this wonderful poem again before responding. I think this poem is very honest and does not speak of delusion at all. If you can identify a delusion, does not that in and of itself mean that you’ve seen clearly? Keep these poems coming, dear friend. They are an inspiration.
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Thanks so much LuAnne. Always appreciate your feedback.
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Your image is beautiful!
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Thank you
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You’re welcome!
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“
How deluded am I, trapped within walls
defined by out of focus panes, separated
From a reality that would behold me
fragmented or whole, and who will ever know”
This is so insightful. We are all trapped
in some way, and out of focus.
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Right?! Thanks
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Very beautiful 😍 I loved it. Especially the quotes in the beginning 👏🏻
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Thank you
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Beautiful poem. 💛
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Thank you
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You’re most welcome.
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Your poem sure speaks to what it is to be a senior. We are trapped by our physical and perceived mental and emotional capabilities. Great image.
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Exactly, Anne. Add in chronic illness and we are invisible.
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Yep, I know! I’ve been dealing with Chronic Fatigue for so many years. Now I look like I should be tired!
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Aw. Me too.
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” fragmented or whole, who will ever know?” That hit different today. Absolutely breathtaking and raw. Thanks for sharing
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Thanks so much, Brittny. Who ever really does know? We see what we want…
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Yes!! 100% we are perceiving what we are seeing and experiencing. It’s so crazy when thinking about it.
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yes our perspective becomes far more real as we age, all pretences long fallen … kudos
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Thamks Kate
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I find your response poem to be the more inspiring perspective; the other one is merely hope, though well written, of course…as is your own (very well!)
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Thank you so much!
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I have no words. This is just so awesome. Loved it 😊
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Thank you. Looks like you are new here. All the best in your efforts.
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Beautiful poem, VJ. The image is wonderful.
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Thank you, Amy
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Beautiful poem. Anita
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Thank you!
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Wonderful work!
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Thank you
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Beautiful poem 🤩
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Thank you
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The constant struggles and disappointments of life can do this to us. Very powerful poem, VJ, and very well read.
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Thanks so much, Susan
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Such excellent imagery with an interesting would/wood pun and a metaphor of life, very well read
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Thanks for noticing the pun. I did it with pane/pain too, lol.
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The reading really brought this to life! I loved the metaphorical premise.
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Thanks Eilene
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Such an evocative poem my friend
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Thank you, Sadje
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You’re very welcome 🥰
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The art is a beautiful reflection of the words. Sometimes taking away leaves space for more. Things we couldn’t see before. (K)
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Thanks so much K
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You read your poem beautifully. Blake’s quote gives us a lot to ponder.
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It does. Thanks Liz.
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You’re welcome, VJ.
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Love this bit VJ 😍
“hope like putty
sticking to the sills, solidifying half-truths.”
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Thank you Brian.
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HI VJ, this is very real and nostalgic.
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Thanks Roberta.
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Beautiful VJ! Wonderful reading of your poem too! Loved it! 👍😙
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Thanks so much!
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